Meet Joyce Guerra, a Filipina Living in Korea Who Has Appeared in Over 85 K-Dramas

For most hallyu-obsessed fans like us, traveling to Korea is the closest thing we could have to a K-drama experience. But for Noreen Joyce Guerra, a Filipina professional now based in South Korea, fulfilling one’s K-drama fantasy means being in it. At least 85 times.

In an email interview with The Beat Asia, Joyce shared that she has been in dozens of K-dramas as a background actress since moving to South Korea. Her brief appearances include “Hospital Playlist,” “Record of Youth,” and The Blessing of the Sea,” among others. However, it was not until a relatable scene in the latest zombie apocalypse series “All of Us are Dead” that people began noticing her.

In a scene in episode one, Joyce can be seen with a group of students who are about to cross an intersection. But unlike the others, she is carrying her backpack in an odd way: by putting it in front of her chest. If you have traversed the streets of Manila at least once in your life, then you would know that this is a Pinoy way to prevent snatchers from stealing your belongings.

“It was not intentional. I cannot even remember that I did that. Maybe my unconscious mind did that for me, haha,” Joyce told The Beat Asia. “It was actually very hot (summer) and we were wearing winter uniforms, and we did the scene for around 20 cuts. To feel cooler, I think my unconscious mind made me put my bag in front.”

Joyce has been featured in several local media sites since her appearance in “All of Us are Dead.” In one vlog last January, Joyce shared how her Instagram “exploded” with mentions and messages after her momentary scene made headlines back home.

Joyce’s journey as a background actress started in 2016, a year after moving to South Korea to pursue a master’s degree in business administration. At the time, producers of K-drama “A Dream” were looking for people who were interested to be a part of the show. Being a fan of one of the main actors, Joyce decided to join and eventually got selected. The rest is history.

She started submitting her profile to Korean agencies not just to realize the fantasy of a K-drama fan, but to keep her sanity while living abroad.

“Filming on weekends is a way for me to keep my sanity by keeping me busy, especially since I am living in a foreign land. It is like my resting place or my playground,” Joyce shared.

“If you are living alone, you do not have to do anything on weekends or holidays, so, I started taking on part time jobs through my connections that later on led me to be in front of the camera. I am enjoying the whole process and I am having fun.”

Joyce said it was the 2011 TV series “Dream High” that got her into K-dramas and eventually, the Korean culture. Back home, she worked for the Korean Cultural Centre, where she developed connections and knowledge that would later help her score a scholarship ticket to South Korea. Today, Joyce is juggling her acting gigs with her full-time job as a manager at a fintech company.

Because of her fair skin complexion, Joyce is often cast in Korean roles, which means no dialogues for her. This, though, has not prevented her from pursuing gigs whenever time permits since it’s all about having fun for her.

But her big break appears to be underway. Joyce disclosed to The Beat Asia that she will be a part of a Korean film called “Beautiful Days” as one of the supporting characters.

“It is so far my longest exposure and longest lines that I have,” Joyce said, adding that the movie is slated to be released this year.

“Aside from that, of course, I have several upcoming K-dramas as a background actress and a few Netflix series coming up soon!”

To know more about Joyce and her journey in South Korea, follow her on YouTube and Instagram.